As previously reported by AlertsUSA Threat Journal on multiple occasions over the past year, the U.S. government has declared that the MERS virus is both deadly and contagious enough to potentially “affect national security,” as well as the health and security of United States citizens living abroad.”

Described by the Director of the World Health Organization as the single biggest worldwide public health threat, MERS-Cov poses the threat of a pandemic more deadly than SARS, particularly in light of the fact that most reported cases are currently found in Saudi Arabia, home to the annual Hajj pilgrimage. To demonstrate this danger, consider that while originally identified in Saudi Arabia, airline travel has enabled the spread of the virus to such locations as Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, United Kingdom, Tunisia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

While the main Hajj season is in the first week of October this year, many Muslims also make “Umrah”, known as the “lesser pilgrimage”, at other times.

The MERS virus is a close genetic cousin of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). In 2003 more than 8,000 people in 30 countries contracted SARS, killing 774. This number is likely much higher due to inaccurate diagnosis.

Based on current information, AlertsUSA assesses the threat of further domestic spreading of the virus as minimal, though highly notable.